Page 82 of His Saving Grace

“…the storm has washed away a portion of State Route 299 on the east side of Redding. Traffic is stopped in both directions and authorities are on the scene. Due to the nature of the storm and the damage it’s caused, the sheriff’s department is requesting that people stay in their homes and only leave in case of emergency.”

Mason swore. That was the main road into the city. While there were other routes, in this weather, they’d most likely be impassable. They were stuck. What the fuck else could go wrong? He was used to order and discipline, not shit spiraling out of control, like a fucking tornado filled with feral cats. He needed to do something.

Closing his eyes, he tried to push the building panic away. Images of Grace, lying there, bleeding, dying, rushed through his mind.

And then they morphed into Jake getting hit with a bullet. Simon taking a gut shot. Owen, coming home to a hail of gunfire. Declan, not knowing what was going on, coming up the driveway, and being struck down because he was wearing his uniform. Mama, getting out of the car after her book club and being shot down in the driveway.

Fuck, he needed to do something. That fucker was not doing any more damage to his family. Not if he could help it. He was trained for this, and he’d never been more appreciative of what he’d been taught.

He opened his eyes and his gaze automatically went to Grace. She was pale, her breathing shallow. His chest squeezed so tight he couldn’t breathe. He didn’t want to leave her, but he couldn’t do anything for her. She was in better hands with Simon, who at least had an understanding of anatomy and stuff.

What he could do is make sure no one else he loved got hurt by that fucking psychopath.

“You.” He pointed at Jake. “Keep watch out the living room window and make sure Grace’s asshole ex doesn’t come back this way. Be careful though, because I have no idea what happened to the fucking gun.”

“I’ve got it.” Jake pulled the gun out of the waistband of his pants and set it on the counter.

Some of the tension leaked out of Mason. Thank Christ for small fucking favors. Didn’t mean the asshole didn’t have another weapon, however. “Keep the light off, just in case. If you get any reception on your phone, call 911 and then, if you can, Declan. No one is to leave this house.” He turned to Simon. “You, do what you can to make Grace comfortable, and for God’s sake, don’t let her die.”

“What are you going to do?” Jake frowned at him.

“What I should have done in the first place. I’m going hunting.”